Top 10 Oldest Universities Around the World Top 10 Oldest Universities Around the World by Ejaz Khan The word university is derived from the Latin universitas magistrorum et scholarium, roughly meaning “community of teachers and scholars”. The term was coined by the Italian University of Bologna, which, with a traditional founding date of 1088, is considered the first university. The following list of ten oldest universities in the world shows, through their brief histories and trend. Here is a list of the Top 10 oldest universities in the world which are in continuous operation. 10. University of Valladolid (Valladolid, Spain, Founded in 1241) University of Valladolid, Salamanca, Spain and Canary Islands The University of Valladolid is a public university in the city of Valladolid, province of Valladolid, in the autonomous region of Castile-Leon, Spain. The university currently has 31,780 undergraduate students and more than 2,000 teachers.

At 10th position among the oldest universities in the world, The University of Valladolid (UVa) is a Spanish public university founded in 1241 as removal of studies at the University of Palencia, founded by Alfonso VIII of Castile, between 1208 and 1212. He is currently responsible for teaching higher education in seven campuses distributed through four cities of Castile and Leon: Valladolid, Palencia, Soria and Segovia. One hypothesis is that its foundation is the result of the transfer of Palencia General Survey between 1208 and 1241 by Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and Bishop Tello Téllez de Meneses. 9. University of Siena (Siena, Italy, Founded in 1240) University of Siena in Arezzo, Italy The University of Siena in Siena, Tuscany is one of the oldest universities and first publicly funded universities in Italy. Originally called Studium Senese, the University of Siena was founded in 1240.

The University had around 20,000 students in 2006 nearly half of Siena’s total population of around 54,000. Today, the University of Siena is best known for its Schools of Law and Medicine. Originally called Studium Senese, was founded by Commune of Siena in 1240. In 1321, the studium was able to attract a larger number or pupils due to a mass exodus from the prestigious neighbouring University of Bologna. Closed temporarily in 1808–1815 when Napoleonic forces occupied Tuscany. On November 7, 1990 the university celebrated its 750th anniversary. 8. University of Toulouse (Toulouse, France, Founded in 1229) Université Toulouse 1 Capitole – The Oldest Universities The Université de Toulouse is a consortium of French universities, grandes écoles and other institutions of higher education and research, named after one of the earliest universities established in Europe in 1229, and including the successor universities to that earlier university.

This article describes the institutions that have been called the “Université de Toulouse”. The formation of the University of Toulouse was imposed on Count Raymond VII as a part of the Treaty of Paris in 1229 ending the crusade against the Albigensians. As he was suspected of sympathizing with the heretics, Raymond VII had to finance the teaching of theology. Bishop Foulques de Toulouse was among the founders of the University. Among its first lecturers were: Jean de Garlande, Roland of Cremona. Other faculties (law, medicine) were added later. Initially, the University was located in the center of the city, together with the ancestors of student residences, the colleges. 7. University of Naples Federico II (Naples, Italy, Founded in 1224) The University of Naples Federico II is maybe one of the the oldest universities Founded by Frederick II, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. The University of Naples Federico II is a university located in Naples, Italy. It was founded in 1224 and is organized into 13 faculties. It is the world’s oldest state university and one of the oldest academic institutions in continuous operation.

The university is named after its founder Frederick II. The University of Naples Federico II was founded by emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Frederick II on 5 June 1224. It is the most ancient state-supported institution of higher education and research in the world. One of the most famous students of this university was Roman Catholic theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas. 6. University of Padua (Padua, Italy, Founded in 1222) University of Padua. Department of Structural and Transportation Engineering Founded by scholars and professors after leaving Bologna. The University of Padua (Italian Università degli Studi di Padova, UNIPD) is a premier Italian university located in the city of Padua, Italy. The University of Padua was founded in 1222 as a school of law and was one of the most prominent universities in early modern Europe. It is among the earliest universities of the world and the second oldest in Italy. As of 2010 the university had approximately 65,000 students.

The university is conventionally said to have been founded in 1222 (which corresponds to the first time when the University is cited in a historical document as pre-existing, therefore it is quite certainly older) when a large group of students and professors left the University of Bologna in search of more academic freedom (‘Libertas scholastica’). The first subjects to be taught were law and theology. The curriculum expanded rapidly, and by 1399 the institution had divided in two: a Universitas Iuristarum for civil law and Canon law, and a Universitas Artistarum which taught astronomy, dialectic, philosophy, grammar, medicine, and rhetoric. There was also a Universitas Theologorum, established in 1373 by Urban V. 5. University of Salamanca (Salamanca, Spain, Founded in 1218) The University of Salamanca, Spanish higher education institution The University of Salamanca is a Spanish higher education institution, located in the town of Salamanca, west of Madrid, in the autonomous community of Castilla and León.

It was founded in 1134 and given the Royal charter of foundation by King Alfonso IX in 1218. It is the oldest founded university in Spain and the third oldest European university in continuous operations. It was the first European institution to receive the formal title of “University” as such; it was granted by King Alfonso X in 1254 and recognized by Pope Alexander IV in 1255. It is the oldest university in operation in Spain. Although there are records of the University granting degrees many years before (James Trager’s People’s Chronology sets its foundation date in 1134), it only received the Royal chart of foundation as “Estudio General” in 1218, making it possibly the fourth or even the third oldest European university in continuous operations. However, it was the first European university to receive the title of “University” as such, granted by king of Castile and León Alfonso X and the Pope in 1254.

Having been excluded from the University in 1852 by the Spanish government, the Faculties of Theology and Canon Law became the Pontifical University of Salamanca in 1940. 4. University of Cambridge (Cambridge, England, Founded in 1209) The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s oldestuniversities Founded by scholars leaving Oxford after a dispute caused by the execution of two scholars in 1209, and royal charter was granted in 1231. The university takes 1209 as its official anniversary. The University of Cambridge is a public research university located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world (after the University of Oxford), and the seventh-oldest in the world. In post-nominals the university’s name is abbreviated as Cantab, a shortened form of Cantabrigiensis (an adjective derived from Cantabrigia, the Latinised form of Cambridge). The university grew out of an association of Cambridge scholars that was formed in 1209, early records suggest, by scholars leaving Oxford after a dispute with townsfolk.

The two “ancient universities” have many common features and are often jointly referred to as Oxbridge. In addition to cultural and practical associations as a historic part of British society, they have a long history of rivalry with each other. 3. University of Oxford (Oxford, England, Founded in 1167) Oxford University Museum of Natural History. “Claimed to be the oldest university in the world, there is no clear date of foundation of Oxford University, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris.” Teaching suspended in 1209 (due to town execution of two scholars) and 1355 (due to the St. Scholastica riot), but was continuous during the English Civil War (1642–1651) – the University was Royalist. All Souls College and University College have repeatedly claimed that they own documents proving that teaching in Oxford started in the year 825, but these documents have never seen the public light (allegedly, John Speed dated his famous 1605 Oxford maps based on these documents).

However, it was not until 1254 that Pope Innocent IV granted to Oxford the University charter by papal bull (“Querentes in agro”). 2. University of Paris (Paris, France, Founded in 1150) The Old Sorbonne on fire in 1670. It was founded in the mid-12th century, and officially recognized as a university probably between 1160 and 1170 (or, possibly, as early as 1150). After many changes, including a century of suspension (1793–1896), it ceased to exist as such in 1970 and 13 autonomous universities (University of Paris I–XIII) were created from it. The university is often referred to as the Sorbonne or La Sorbonne after the collegiate institution (Collège de Sorbonne) founded about 1257 by Robert de Sorbon. In fact, the university as such was older and was never completely centered on the Sorbonne.

Of the 13 current successor universities, the first 4 have a presence in the historical Sorbonne building, and three include “Sorbonne” in their names. 1. University of Bologna (Bologna, Italy, Founded in 1088) The College of Bologna, founded in 1088, may be the earliest academic institution from the Civilized world. At top the Oldest Universities The first university in the sense of a higher-learning, degree-awarding institute, the word university having been coined at its foundation. At top of the list of ten oldest universities in the world which are in continuous operation. The Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna is a university located in Bologna, Italy founded in 1088. As of 2000 the University’s motto is Alma mater studiorum (Latin for “nourishing mother of studies”) The University has about 100,000 students in its 23 schools. It has branch centers in Imola, Ravenna, Forlì, Cesena and Rimini and a branch center abroad in Buenos Aires. Moreover, it has a school of excellence named Collegio Superiore di Bologna.

The date of its founding is uncertain, but believed by most accounts to have been 1088. The university received a charter from Frederick I Barbarossa in 1158, but in the 19th century, a committee of historians led by Giosuè Carducci traced the founding of the University back to 1088, which would make it one of the oldest universities in the world. kaash………! our leaders take interest on this side??????????? jack Top 10 Oldest Universities in the World: Ancient Colleges List of Smallest Ranked Colleges and Universities Top 10 Oldest Universities in the World: Ancient Colleges Unfortunately, the U.S. will never boast a medieval university, as this country’s origins, established in 1776 with the Declaration of Independence, were formed when the oldest university in the world already was about nine centuries old. If you’re interested, we do have a list of the oldest universities in the U.S. , by accreditation year.

The following list of ten oldest universities in the world shows, through their brief histories, a trend: The university as an autonomous self-governing institution first was developed as religious institutions (madrasahs) that originated in the medieval Islamic world. But, Europe did not fall far behind these Islamic developments, as Italy founded its first university approximately two centuries after the first university developed in Morocco. The last university on this list, the University of Padua in Italy, was founded in 1222 — 270 years before Columbus sailed the Ocean Blue in 1492. This list is compiled of extant universities, although a few of them closed for brief periods from the effects of war or local disputes. On the whole, the European universities on this list have expanded their campuses and enjoy high rankings in the world today. The list below is compiled in order of the university’s founding. University of Al-Karaouine : Located in Fes, Morocco, this university originally was a mosque founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, a woman. It developed into one of the leading universities for natural sciences. It wasn’t until 1957 that the university added mathematics, physics, chemistry and foreign languages.

This university is considered the oldest continuously-operating degree-granting university in the world by the Guiness Book of World Records . Al-Azhar University : This university, located in Egypt, is the world’s second oldest surviving degree-granting institute. Founded in 970-972, this university serves as a center for Arabic literature and Sunni Islamic learning. Al-Azhar university concentrates upon a religious syllabus, which pays special attention to the Quranic sciences and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad on the one hand, while also teaching all modern fields of science. Nizamiyya : This series of universities was established by Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk in the eleventh century in what is now present-day Iran. The most celebrated of all the Nizamiyya schools is Al-Nizamiyya of Baghdad, established in 1065 in Dhu’l Qa’da and that remains operational in Isfahan. But, this was just one of many Nizamiyyah schools — others were located in Nishapur, Amul, Mosul, Herat, Damascus, and Basra.

The Nizamiyya schools served as a model for future universities in the region, and al-Mulk often is seen as responsible for a new era of brilliance which caused his schools to eclipse all other contemporary learning institutions. University of Bologna : This university was the first higher-learning institute established in the Western world in 1088. The term, “university,” was coined at its creation. Located in Bologna, Italy, this university led the Western world in educational innovations until the period between the two World Wars. At that time, leaders called upon the university to forge relationships with institutions in more advanced countries to modernize and re-invigorate its educational philosophies. This university met the call and, today, is considered a leader in the European university system. University of Paris : This university’s exact founding is unclear; however, teaching from this university existed since 1096. The university was reorganized as 13 autonomous universities in 1970.

Often referred to as the Sorbonne after the College de Sorbonne (founded about 1257), this institute grew up in the latter part of the twelfth century around Notre Dame Cathedral as a corporation centered on the fields of arts, medicine, law and theology. In 1968 the cultural revolution commonly known as “the French May” resulted in the closing of the university for only the third time in history. The first occasion was in 1229, and the second was due to the invasion by the German army of 1940. University of Oxford : Like the University of Paris, the exact date of this university’s founding is unclear. The formal founding date, however, is 1096 — although teaching from the Oxford location is considerably older than this date. This institute developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. The school has temporarily closed twice, once in 1209 for the town execution of two scholars and in 1355 for the St. Scholastica riot. Currently, this oldest English-speaking university contains 38 colleges, each with its own internal structure and activities.

University of Montpelier : Located in Montpelier, France, this university also is considerably older than its founding date of 1150. A papal bull issued by Pope Nicholas IV in 1289 combined all long-existing schools into one main university. This university was suppressed during the 1793 French Revolution, but the faculties of science and letters were re-established in 1810, law in 1880. This university, in the spirit of modernism, was “re-founded” in 1969. The modern focus is on science and technology. University of Cambridge : Known as the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world, this university was formed by scholars who left the University of Oxford over a dispute in 1209. The two schools have, therefore, a long history of rivalry between them. Currently, Cambridge is ranked as one of the world’s top five universities and is a premier leading university in Europe. As of 2009, the alumni from this university account for eighty-five Nobel Laureates. Cambridge now consists of 31 colleges comprised of over 150 departments, faculties, schools and other institutions.

University of Salamanca : Located in Salamanca, Spain, this school was established in 1218 and obtained the title of “university” by Alexander IV’s papal bull in 1225. The school originally was established by Leonese King Alfonso IX to allow the Leonese people to study at home rather than leave to study in Castile. Its historical high note was when Columbus consulted this institute’s scholars in seeking a western route to the Indies. Today, Salamanca remains the university of choice for Spanish students who want to focus on humanities and language studies. University of Padua : This is the second oldest university in Italy, falling behind the University of Bologna. This university was founded in 1222 when a group of students and professors left the University of Bologna in search for more academic freedom. Its primary claim to fame is its anatomical theater, established in 1595, which drew artists and scientists studying the human body during public dissections. The gardens and museums were begun in 1545, and remain as a testament to the focuses on botany and history. As of 2003, this university had approximately 65,000 students.

December 6, 2009 Oldes universities of Italy (Some of the oldest universities of Europe) Home Travel Info Top 5 Places in Italy Italy Rail Pass Luxury Travel in Italy Agritourism in Italy Bed & Breakfast in Italy Regions & Towns Regions of Italy Top 10 Cities of Italy Main Sights in Italy Italian Islands Ghost Towns of Italy Italian Cuisine History of Italian Cuisine Popular Foods of Italy Italian Pasta Italian Gourmet Food Regional Cuisines of Italy Italian Wines and Drinks Italian Wine Italian Craft Beers Popular Italian Drinks Italian Sweet Wines Coffee the Italian Way Types of Italian Coffee Special Events Christmas in Italy Getting Married in Italy Honeymoon in Italy 5 Major Opera Houses Festivals in Italy Italian Art & Culture Languages of Italy Italian Opera Classic Italian Music Famous Italian Luthiers Famous Italians Italian Nobel Prize Winners Italian Mathematicians Italian Inventors Italian Scientists Italian Explorers Italian Archeologists Expatriates in Italy Fashion, Design & Trends Ferrari Vintage Models Ferrari Sports Cars Italian Design Jewelry The University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova, UNIPD) was founded in 1222 as a school of law. It was one of the most prominent universities in early modern Europe.

It one of the earliest universities of the world and the second oldest, continually operating, in Italy. As of 2010 the university had approximately 65,000 students. The first subjects to be taught were law and theology, but the curriculum expanded rapidly to include astronomy, dialectic, philosophy, grammar, medicine, and rhetoric. From the fifteenth to the eighteenth century, the university was renowned for its research, particularly in the areas of medicine, astronomy, philosophy and law. On 25 June 1678, Elena Lucrezia Cornaro, a Venetian noblewoman and mathematician became the first woman in the world to be awarded a degree. She graduated in Philosophy. By comparison, at Oxford university women had to wait until 1920 to be allowed to matriculate and graduate in universities attended by male students. 3. Naples, 1224 The University of Naples Federico II (Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II) was founded in 1224. It is one of the oldest academic institutions in continuous operation and also one of the oldest universities to be founded by a head of State.

The university was named Federico II in 1987, in recognition of its founder, Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, King of Sicily and Holy Roman Emperor. Most other educational institutions, were, by and large, the product of corporate initiatives. The King's objective was to create an institution of higher learning that would put an end to the predominance of the universities of Northern Italy, most notably Bologna and Padua, which were considered either too independent or under the strong influence of the Pope. The independence was granted by the Charter, which gave the Emperor the highest authority. Graduates took a vow to stay loyal to the King and to lecture at the Studium for a minimum of sixteen months and were not allowed to travel and study elsewhere. One of the most famous students of this university was Roman Catholic theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas. 4. Siena, 1240 The University of Siena (Università degli Studi di Siena, UNISI) in Tuscany is one of the oldest and first publicly funded universities in Italy. Originally called Studium Senese, the University of Siena was founded in 1240.

The University has around 20,000 students, nearly half of Siena's total population. Siena university enjoyed rapid growth during the twentieth century, passing from four hundred students enrolled between the two World Wars to over twenty thousand students in recent years. At the same time the number of faculties increased from the original Medicine and Surgery and Law to include Pharmacy (1933), Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences (1962), Economics (1966), Arts and Humanities in Siena (1970), Engineering (1992) and Political Science (1997). Today, the University of Siena is best known for its Schools of Law and Medicine. 5. Macerata, 1290 The University of Macerata (Università degli Studi di Macerata) was founded in 1290 and is organized in 7 Faculties: communication sciences, cultural heritage, economics, education, law, letters & philosophy and political sciences. 6.

Rome, 1303 The Sapienza University of Rome (Sapienza - Università di Roma), formerly known as Università degli studi di Roma "La Sapienza", is a coeducational, autonomous state university. It is the largest European university and the oldest of Rome's three state-funded universities. In Italian, sapienza means "wisdom" or "knowledge". According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities published by the Institute of Higher Education of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Sapienza University of Rome ranks among the top 30 European universities. La Sapienza counts 11 faculties and over 140,000 students. 7. Perugia, 1308 University of Perugia (Università degli Studi di Perugia) is a public-owned university and one of the "free" universities of Italy. It was founded in 1308, when Pope Clement V issued Perugia with a document called the Super specula, which made Perugia a "leggere generaliter", giving its degree courses universal validity and recognition. Before that date the degrees awarded were only recognized within the confines of Perugia.

Formal imperial recognition of the University was granted in 1355, when Charles IV, who was in Rome for his coronation as Emperor, awarded Perugia with two diplomas: the first diploma granted the City the permanent right to have a University, and the second diploma granted all people, even those from remote places, free access to, and free return home from the Studium with immunity from all types of reprisal, duty and tax. This unusual mark of favor was given to assist Perugia after the terrible plague years 1348-49. In the 14th century, the University offered two degree courses: Law and General Arts. Medicine, Philosophy and Logic quickly distinguished themselves from the other Arts although, during the course of the century, they did not succeed in becoming independent faculties. With the unification of Italy in 1860 the University of Perugia was established under the jurisdiction of the Rector and the Town Council, who issued statutes subject to approval by the Government. The statutes are modelled upon those of Bologna. From 1944 to the present, the University of Perugia has achieved an outstanding reputation as one of the leading Universities in Italy.

University of Perugia has 11 faculties and about 31,000 students. 8. Firenze, 1321 The University of Florence (Università degli Studi di Firenze, UNIFI) is one of the largest and oldest universities in the country. It has 12 faculties and has currently about 60,000 students enrolled. The University of Florence evolved from the Studium Generale, which was established by the Florentine Republic in 1321. The Studium was recognized by Pope Clement VI in 1349, and authorised to grant regular degrees. The Pope also established that the first Italian faculty of Theology would be in Florence. Italian mathematicians The Studium became an imperial university in 1364, but was moved to Pisa in 1473 when Lorenzo the Magnificent gained control of Florence. Charles VIII moved it back from 1497-1515, but it was moved to Pisa again when the Medici family returned to power. 9.

Pisa, 1343 (possibly 11th C.) The University of Pisa (Italian Università di Pisa) was formally founded on September 3, 1343 by an edict of Pope Clement VI, although there had been lectures on law in Pisa since the 11th century. With the birth of the Kingdom of Italy, the University of Pisa became one of the new state's most prestigious cultural institutions. It offers a wide and renowned range of courses, but it is especially known for its science and engineering branches, which manage very good courses at the BSc, MSc and PhD level. The Computer Science course at University of Pisa was the first one in the area to be activated in Italy, during the 1960s. The aerospace MSc courses (EuMAS, MSSE) are the first in Italy to be offered entirely in the English language. The university now has about 57,000 students (of which 53,000 in undergraduate and postgraduate studies and 3500 in doctoral and specialization studies).

In 2011 the University of Pisa came in first place among the Italian universities, according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities. The University of Pisa counts some of the most prestigious professor in her history, among which Galileo Galilei, who was born and studied in Pisa, and became professor of Mathematics at the Pisan Studium in 1589. 10. Ferrara, 1391 The University of Ferrara (Università degli Studi di Ferrara) was founded on March 4, 1391 by Marquis Alberto V D'Este with the permission of Pope Boniface IX. The Studium Generale was inaugurated on St. Luke's Day (October 18) of that year with courses in law, arts and theology. After the unification of Italy, Ferrara University became a free university with faculties of Law and Mathematics, a three-year course in Medicine (reduced to two years in 1863-64), as well as Schools of Veterinary Medicine (abolished in 1876), Pharmacy, and for public Notaries.

It was the best attended of the free universities in Italy, in the years prior to the First World War the University of Ferrara, with more than 500 students. After World War II, it started to be state-supported and this allowed the opening of many faculties and research departments. Today there approximately 12,000 students enrolled into 8 faculties, and nearly 400 degrees granted each year. Modena (1175), Pavia (1361), Vicenza (1204), Arezzo (1215) were all founded before 1400, but not continually operating. Modena was closed in the 1590s, Vicenza in 1209, Arezzo in the 15th century and Pavia during the Napoleonic wars and the revolutions of 1848. Oldest universities of Italy compiled by Catherine Marien 10 of the Oldest Universities in the World | Top Universities 10 of the Oldest Universities in the World 02:00PM Sep 16, 2016 This content can be saved to the "My Activity" tab in your user profile.

3,019 shares This content can be saved to the "My Activity" tab in your user profile. 3,019 shares Centers of higher education have been around for hundreds of years, and even millennia in some cases. But not all withstand the test of time. Over the centuries, many of the world’s oldest universities have disbanded, split into autonomous colleges or become modernized beyond all recognition. The ancient institutions that have stuck around are significant not only for their historic legacies, but also for proving their ability to adapt to modern contexts and remain relevant in a globalized world in spite of intense competition. Many of the oldest universities in the world are also among the most prestigious and popular, offering a rich mixture of historic heritage and contemporary outlook. Here we cover some of the oldest universities in the world, all of which feature in one of the QS rankings . Most are located in Europe, due to the particularly impressive number of longstanding and still-operating universities in this region, but there’s also an African representative to consider. **Note – this is not intended to be a list of the 10 oldest universities in order of establishment; instead it highlights 10 of the oldest universities which also have a high international ranking.** 1.

University of Bologna Location: Italy Established in: 1088 The ‘Nourishing Mother of the Studies’ according to its Latin motto, the University of Bologna was founded in 1088 and, having never been out of operation, holds the title of the oldest university in the world. Until relatively modern times, the university only taught doctorate studies, but today it has a diverse range of programs at all levels. Located in Bologna, Italy, it has an enrollment of around 84,200 students, of which 30,000 are postgraduates. Famous alumni include three popes, numerous businessmen and several Italian politicians. The University of Bologna is ranked 208th in the QS World University Rankings® 2016-2017 . 2. University of Oxford Location: United Kingdom Established in: 1096-1167 With an alumni list that includes 27 UK Prime Ministers, 20 Archbishops of Canterbury, 12 saints, 27 Nobel laureates, 47 Nobel Prize winners and one Sir Stephen Hawking, the University of Oxford is as respected as it is old.

While the university’s exact foundation date remains a little vague, evidence of teaching dates as far back as 1096, and some claim it was established even earlier. Currently 6th in the world rankings, the University of Oxford is truly one of the highest-ranked and oldest universities in the world, catering to a student community of around 22,600 and operating the largest university press in the world. 3. University of Salamanca Location: Spain Established in: 1134 Another of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Salamanca was founded in 1134 and given the Royal Charter in 1218. Spain’s oldest institution, after the now defunct University of Palencia, the University of Salamanca is located to the west of Madrid. To add to its historic aura, it was the institution where Christopher Columbus made a case to obtain royal support for his Indies expedition in the late 15th century. The University of Salamanca is now ranked in the 651-700 range* of the QS World University Rankings and caters to over 30,000 students across nine campuses. 4.

University of Paris Location: France Established in: 1160-1250 Established between 1160 and 1250 in the French capital, the University of Paris, often known as ‘la Sorbonne’, is known to have been one of the first established universities in Europe. As history goes, the University of Paris was suspended from operating between 1793 and 1896, following the French Revolution. Today, the University of Paris is scattered throughout the city, having been divided into 13 autonomous institutions in 1970, all of which maintain the high reputation of the original university. Of these 13, the highest ranked are Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC, joint 141st in the world rankings), Université Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV. 221st in the world) and Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (joint 228th). Discover more of the top universities in Paris here . 5.

University of Cambridge Location: UK Established in: 1209 Established in 1209 by a group of scholars leaving the University of Oxford due to political conflicts, the University of Cambridge today marginally out-ranks its elder, currently placed 4th in the world. Sharing many common traditions, Oxford and Cambridge maintain a healthy sense of rivalry, which comes to a head in the famous annual Boat Race event. Cambridge has nearly 19,000 students, of which 4,100 come from outside the EU. 6. University of Padua Location: Italy Established in: 1222 The University of Padua – Università di Padova or UNIPD – was founded in 1222 (although some evidence puts it before this date) and is one of a number of medieval universities in Italy still operating. Currently ranked joint 338th in the world rankings, the Università di Padova is notable for its revolutionary early research in astronomy, law, medicine and philosophy. It now hosts around 61,000 students in the city of Padua, the setting of William Shakespeare’s famous play The Taming of the Shrew.

In 1545, the Università di Padova established the Botanical Garden of Padova, now one of the oldest academic gardens in the world. It also runs nine museums. 7. University of Naples Federico II Location: Italy Established in: 1224 (1258) Founded in 1224 by Frederick II, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, the University of Naples - Federico II is located in Naples, Italy’s third-largest city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The University of Naples Federico II is placed 481-490 in the world rankings, teaching a wide range of programs to a student community of around 100,000. Among its most famous historic alumni it boasts philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas. 8. University of Siena Location: Italy Established in: 1240 Located in the small city of Siena in the Tuscany region, the University of Siena is another of the oldest universities in the world with a strong global standing, currently at 701+ in the world rankings.

With enrolment numbers upwards of 20,000, the University of Siena campus comprises almost half of the city’s entire population. The city center itself, also of historic importance, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited annually by over 160,000 tourists who come for the food, the art, the museums and the medieval heritage. 9. University of Coimbra Location: Portugal Established in: 1290 Although originally established in the Portuguese capital in 1290, the University of Coimbra (451-460 in the world rankings), was relocated a number of times by demanding kings, finally ending up in Coimbra, the country’s third-largest urban center and home to much Roman-era history. With a student community of almost 25,000, the University of Coimbra has been through many radical reforms, and for decades of the 18th century it was the only operating university in Portugal. In 2013, the University of Coimbra was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of its historical buildings, open courtyard, cultural traditions and stunning city-wide views. 10.

Al-Azhar University Location: Egypt Established in: 970 AD Despite not gaining university status until 1961, Al-Azhar University was established as early as 970 AD in Cairo, Egypt. Originally a ‘madrasa’, teaching students from primary to tertiary level, Al-Azhar University was first known as a center of Islamic learning but has since developed a modern curriculum of secular subjects, ensuring its survival. Through its time, the school has seen much political instability, most notably in the 12th century when a new dynasty took power and destroyed over 100,000 texts. Today, Al-Azhar University is ranked 701+ in the world rankings, and 35th in the QS University Rankings: Arab Region 2016 . In addition to traditional studies, the school also offers programs in business, economics, science, medicine, engineering and agriculture. --- Did you know…?

The oldest university in Asia was founded in 1611 ( University of Santo Tomas , the Philippines), the oldest university in the US was established in 1636 ( Harvard University , Massachusetts), and the oldest university in Australia was established in 1850 ( University of Sydney , New South Wales). *For more information about ranking categories, and answers to other frequently asked questions, click here . This article was originally published in July 2015. It was updated in September 2016 to incorporate the latest rankings positions. Top 10 Oldest Universities Around the World - YouTube Top 10 Oldest Universities Around the World Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Dec 4, 2014 The word university is derived from the Latin universitas magistrorum et scholarium, roughly meaning “community of teachers and scholars”.

The term was coined by the Italian University of Bologna, which, with a traditional founding date of 1088, is considered the first university. The following list of ten oldest universities in the world shows, through their brief histories and trend. Here is a list of the Top 10 oldest universities in the world which are in continuous operation. 10. University of Valladolid (Valladolid, Spain, Founded in 1241) 9. University of Siena (Siena, Italy, Founded in 1240) 8. University of Toulouse (Toulouse, France, Founded in 1229) 7. University of Naples Federico II (Naples, Italy, Founded in 1224) 6. University of Padua (Padua, Italy, Founded in 1222) 5. University of Salamanca (Salamanca, Spain, Founded in 1218) 4. University of Cambridge (Cambridge, England, Founded in 1209) 3. University of Oxford (Oxford, England, Founded in 1167) 2.

University of Paris (Paris, France, Founded in 1150) 1. University of Bologna (Bologna, Italy, Founded in 1088) Source Staff : wonderslist What is the oldest school or university in the world still in activity? - Quora Quora Written Apr 24, 2013 The list of the oldest universities in the world varies, depending on how one defines a university. If a university is considered to be a degree granting institution, all of the world's oldest are located in Europe, where the practice of granting certification was widespread by the 1100s. Many institutions of advanced learning in Asia and Africa are far older than European universities, however, and rightly belong on an "oldest" list when one thinks of them as universities. Many ancient centers of learning no longer exist. The University of Nalanda, for example, which was a seat of Buddhist learning in India, was founded in the fifth century BCE, but closed in the 1100s. Kandalur salai is believed to have been established by Karunandadakkan (857-85 AD), an Ay ruler.

The Salais were Vedic schools associated with temples (Kanthalur Salai, Parthivapuram Salai, Thiruvalla Salai, Moozhikkulam Salai etc.) were residential in nature, with students living in proximity to the teacher. "Kandalur Salai" is not a university. It is a Military Academy. It was run by Chanars (Kalari Masters) and they thought various forms of battlefield fights including 'Kalari" which is still prevalent in Kerala. This place was situated near the present Trivandrum. There were 4 (four) such 'salai' the head being at Muzhikulam. The legend says 4 (four) brahmin students of Parasurama statrted at 4 places the Military Academy namely 'salai" including one at Kandalur. For the purpose of this list, only counting continuously operating institutions of learning are included, some of which offered degrees later than others. In all instances, the exact date of foundation is sometimes difficult to establish, since many universities organized themselves slowly. By continent, the oldest universities are headed up by the University of Nanjing, in China, founded around 258 BCE.

It was only formally termed a “university” in 1888, but it has offered education to Chinese without the issuance of formal degrees for centuries. Next, representing Africa, is the University of Al Karaouine in Fez , Morocco, founded in 859, followed by the University of Bologna in Bologna, Italy, founded in 1088 by students who recruited instructors. In South America, the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, was founded in 1536, and Harvard University, in North America, was founded in 1636. Australia followed in 1850 with the University of Sydney, and Antarctica does not host a university. Some universities vie for spaces on the list of the oldest in the world. Due to changes in university names and charters, some schools have undergone a number of different incarnations which make them difficult to track. Harvard, for example, competes with several other universities and colleges in the United States for the honor of being called the “first” university.

If one looks for the oldest schools with the criterion that they also granted degrees throughout their history, the oldest universities in the world are all European, starting with the University of Bologna. The next four are the University of Paris (1150), the University of Oxford (c. 1167), the University of Modena (1175), and the University of Cambridge (1209). The practice of offering degrees in recognition for advanced study spread from Europe to other nations, and also cemented the connection between universities and degrees that persists to this day. But As you quoted Still active old univerisity one can choose it from the list of above that still exist. or can browse it.. List of oldest universities in continuous operation Wall Aug 9, 2013 at 6:00 pm ITALY IS COOL! (interesting facts): - A 2007 UNICEF ranked Italy as the best country for family relationships. - Two of Europe's smallest countries, San Marino and the Vatican, are enclaved within Italy. - Italy is the 4th most visited country with 40 million visitors/year.

- The city of Syracuse in Sicily was once the largest Ancient Greek city in the world. - The world's largest Christian edifice is the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome. The construction took 120 years. - The world’s first true pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, opened in Naples in 1830. - Each Italian consumes in average 25kg of pasta each year. - The oldest European university in continuous operation is the University of Bologna, founded in 1088. - Many of the world's most famous artists were Italian: Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Raphael..

Question: Founded in 1088 in which Italian city is the University said to be the oldest in continuous operation?
Answer: BOLOGNA